Fire kills 21 in S.Korean hospital

Firefighters rescue victims at a hospital in Jangseong, South Korea, Wednesday.

SEOUL >> A fire at a hospital annex housing elderly patients in the
southwestern county of Jangseong killed 21 people early Wednesday,
officials said.

Twenty patients and a nurse were killed and seven
others were injured, officials with the Jangseong Fire Department said,
speaking on condition of anonymity because of office rules.

The victims died after suffocating on poisonous gas, officials said.

There
were 33 patients and a nurse on duty when the fire broke out on the
second floor of an annex of Hyosarang Hospital. The fire was put out
after about six minutes, the officials said. The cause was not
immediately known.

The facility specializes in elderly patients who suffer from dementia and palsy, officials sasid.

The
fire comes as South Korean officials are still searching for missing
passengers from a ferry sinking last month that killed or left missing
more than 300 people. South Korea has also had two subway accidents in recent weeks.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. Because only subscribers are allowed to comment, we have your personal information and are able to contact you. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, email commentfeedback@staradvertiser.com.